Stick Sunday the 23rd of September 2007 in your diary. 50,000 cyclists on
the closed streets of London and a giant cycling festival in Hyde Park with
expected visitor levels of 100,000! Details below:

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TfLıs targets for increasing cycling in London were set out in The Cycling
Action Plan ­ Creating a Chain Reaction, published by TfL in 2004. The mid
and long-term targets are to achieve at least an 80% increase in cycling
levels by 2010 and a 200% increase by 2020 compared to cycling levels in
2000.

To encourage and support the strategy of increasing the uptake of cycling in
London the Greater London Authority (GLA), with direction and support from
the Mayor, has commissioned TfL to develop, promote and stage a Mass
Participation Bike Ride (MPBR) in London on Sunday, 23rd September 2007 for
up to 50,000 cyclists and the staging of a bike festival in Hyde Park (at
the end of the proposed MPBR route). The intention, assuming the first
yearıs event is successful, is to continue the event and the accompanying
festival on an annual basis.

Summary of the MPBR (Lot 1)

* Up to 50,000 registered participants cycling through London on closed
roads

* Three route options (80/40/20km) and staggered starts to cater for
different fitness levels

* The location of the MPBR is an 80km corridor across London, starting from
Greenwich, through south London to Richmond, Hammersmith, Regentıs Park, and
Hyde Park, around the City to Tower Bridge and back to Hyde Park via
Parliament Square.

* The course will take in some of Londonıs best known landmarks

* The event will target new or occasional cyclists as participants as well
as existing cyclists

* There will be an option of timing for individual Œpersonal challengeı
riders on the longest route

* There will be a range of refreshment/mechanical/first aid/toilet stops
provided en route

* Whilst the roads will be closed to traffic there will be a pre-determined
number of agreed pedestrian, emergency services and traffic crossing points
that will be marshalled either by volunteer marshals, trained stewards
and/or police depending on the nature of the crossing point

Summary of the Bike Festival (Lot 2)


* The bike festival will take place in Hyde Park at the finish of the MPBR
route

* The festival will target MPBR participants and spectators, as well as
members of the public including both Londoners and tourists

* Estimated visitor level of 100,000+

* The festival will provide a focus for cyclists at the end of their ride,
with entertainment, food and cycling related activities/information stalls

* The festival will provide an opportunity for boroughs, TfL and other
stakeholders to promote sustainable transport, travel planning and cycling
messages in London

* There will be a commercial element to the festival with the bike trade
encouraged to come and display their products to a close market group

* There will be an opportunity to run a series of mini-events ­ fun
challenges for young children



Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk
07711 688189